Some of you may have seen this, but there's an interesting discussion about rods vs. Lighters on bugoutbagquest.

The link to the post is here - the discussion is in the comments below the main post.

http://bugoutbagquest.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-to-use-to-start-fire.html

Here's what I said over there:

After almost two years the piezoelectric ignitor broke. I ordered a similar model from deal extreme for a lot less money $29 + ship versus $4.90 delivered! Mechanically it looks to be the same lighter but this variant has two pencil flames.

The torch lighter also pictured rocks. Very large capacity fuel tank and easy to operate. I picked it up from DE as well for $2.90 delivered. It replaces my broken lighter.

Most of us seems to agree that redundancy in fire making tools is good. I usually use a mimi-Bic with matches as backup. In critical situations, matches have always worked well for me. One thing about matches - they encourage one to be more deliberate in preparing and arranging the materials - and that, after all, is more important thanthe flame source.

I added a few more lighters I thought I would include here.

Wind resistant lighter. This one has a seal that keeps moisture and dirt out when the lid is closed.


Table top lighter. Big tank for fuel - not very practical for an edc kit but really nice for the home workshop.

Flame shot.


Another table top lighter. Really large fuel tank. Again, not practical for an edc kit. I use this one for a lot of odd ball tasks.


Flame shot


Flame shot - there is an adjustment on the top which can trim the flame. Perfect for lighting candles.


I replaced my metal match. This is has been sitting for about one year. It lit very easily on the first strike.


This adapter allows me to fill the lighter with isobutane/propane canister gas.